Tapping for Worry (Anxiety) and Sadness (Depression)
Anxiety and depression are common health concerns. Conventional medical practices are not always effective and many people continue to suffer. EFT Tapping can also be used with both of these conditions. The following exercises describe the process. They take only a few minutes to perform and will likely bring lasting relief.
How Can Tapping Support Relief from Anxiety?
These tapping points can be used for social anxiety, test anxiety, and fear of public speaking. They can also be used for sports performance and other high-stress situations. In most cases, stress relief comes quickly- usually within 30-45 seconds. These points can also be used in public.
1) The first point is called the gamut point. It is along the indentation on the back of the hand between the baby finger/ring finger knuckles and the wrist. Tap with four fingers on this indentation whenever there is a high level of stress. There is no need to say words, use eye movements, recall memories, or think specific thoughts. This point is associated with the Triple Warmer, which is the primary “fight, flight, or freeze” acupuncture meridian. Tapping on this location immediately stops the stress response.
2) The under eye point has been called the “fear point” in acupuncture. It is located on the eye socket directly beneath the pupil of either eye. Tapping with three or four fingers on this point quickly resolves phobias, fear, and anxiety. Triggers to spiders, snakes, heights, enclosed spaces, and other “threats” are often permanently gone. To do this in public, just turn your head and apply a few quick taps.
Tapping directly on one of these points, or alternating the two points, usually provides fast relief for anxiety and fears.
Although EFT is primarily a self-tool, it is also possible to tap on other people. For children, family members, and friends, simply hold the person’s hand while tapping on the gamut point. It can also be done on pets with paws.
How Can Tapping Support Relief from Depression?
Hundreds of my clients have obtained at least partial relief from depression by tapping with this simple four-word phrase.
Here is the process:
Do this in front of a mirror. Gently tap with your fingertips 4-7 times on each of the following locations: top of the head, inside of the eyebrow, side of the eye, under the eye, under the nose, on the chin, on the collarbone, 4-5″ below the armpit. Say, “I am soooo happy!” with enthusiasm, out loud, while going through each of the eight tapping points. Continue to tap until the words feel true.
With this exercise, I have found that most people gain a sense of hopefulness. Beliefs shift and happiness becomes a real possibility. Of course, this is just the beginning. Depression often requires deeper, more intensive work.
I hope you try these exercises and find them helpful. Happy tapping!
